Looking for a gorgeous cedar top classical guitar?
Well, the Kremona Fiesta might be everything you’ve been hoping for.
Maybe you’re looking for an upgrade or maybe you just fancy adding a new model to your collection.
Either way, if you don’t want to pay more than a thousand dollars but you still want a professional model, the Kremona Fiesta could be exactly what you’re looking for.
At a Glance…
✔️ What we like: All solid-wood construction and a very versatile sound
❌ What we don’t like: I would have liked a 12-hole bridge (but it’s personal preference)
Standout Features
- Solid western red cedar top
- Solid Indian rosewood back and sides
- Wood binding
- Inlaid rosette
- Handmade
- Left hand and spruce top options
Our Verdict: If you’re looking for a high-end guitar but don’t want to pay a high-end price, the Kremona Fiesta is your best bet. It has so much character in the way it looks and the way it sounds! Coming in just under a thousand dollars, this gorgeous classical guitar is literally what dreams are made of (well, at least what my dreams are made of).
Who is the Kremona Fiesta Best Suited To?
I think the Kremona Fiesta would be the perfect upgrade for any classical guitarist. It has wonderful playability and it’s not too pricey for a solid wood guitar. The Fiesta is from Kremona’s Artist series of concert standard classical guitars, so it would be ideal for performers of any kind.
In terms of style, I think this model is incredibly versatile. With traditional Spanish construction, it would suit anything from flamenco to folk (oh, I love it when I rhyme by accident). Ultimately, any classical guitarist with the budget would fall in love with the Kremona Fiesta.
Features & Benefits
Body & Neck
If you loved the Kremona Rosa Morena but weren’t sure about its spruce top then you’re in for a treat with this guy (although you can choose a spruce top instead). The Kremona Fiesta has complete solid-wood construction, hence why it almost has a mid-range price tag. Honestly, I’m surprised it’s this affordable but I think that’s just down to its two-piece back and, I mean, that doesn’t bother me.
If you’ve read any of my Kremona reviews before, you’ll know how much I love their craftsmanship. You can tell that every detail from the binding to the rosette has been carefully thought out and hand-crafted. Plus, you can see the grain so clearly in its cedar top which always gets me.
I don’t know about you but I love classical guitars with a little bit of character. For example, the red hues running through the Indian rosewood fingerboard are genuinely giving me shivers. I like it when companies give their instruments a bit of a rustic touch and I think that’s what makes the Kremona Fiesta look and feel so high-end.
Although this model was made with traditional Spanish techniques, it is still a classical guitar. Its profile (body depth at the bout) is 100mm (around 4inches) as opposed to flamenco guitars which have a much thinner profile of around 92mm. That’s why I think the Kremona Fiesta is so versatile.
Hardware
Okay, where do I start?
We all know I love a good hardware chat! I really can’t get over the tuners. They have gold tuning machines which, once again, make the Kremona Fiesta look so luxurious. Plus, the rosewood buttons match the body of the guitar, adding to its rustic feel.
Everything about the Kremona Fiesta screams performer to me. It comes equipped with a truss rod, so you can lower or heighten the action to suit your style. The model is also fitted with Spanish Royal Classic Sonata strings which I know classical guitarists will absolutely love.
I believe the Kremona Fiesta also has a traditional 6-hole bridge (rather than the modern 12-hole) which I think most players are used to anyway.
Sound
Okay, now onto my favorite part. The Kremona Fiesta has such a special sound. Its spruce top gives it so much depth and character while the Indian rosewood back and sides help every note ring out with clarity.
It’s very soulful and mellow in its lower register but as you strum through the mids and high strings it just sings. I know how cheesy I sound right now but I have genuinely fallen in love with this model. Oh, it also has fantastic sustain.
If you’re looking for a concert guitar priced under $1000, I don’t think you’ll find a better model than this (if you do let me know because I’ll probably grab one too, lol).
Spec Summary
- Body Material: Solid spruce top, Indian rosewood back and sides
- Neck Material: Honduras
- Fingerboard Material: Indian rosewood
- Pickups: None
- Bridge: Indian rosewood
An incredibly versatile classical guitar
Limitations
We all know I love a good nitpick, so I did manage to find some negatives to the Kremona Fiesta. Well, they’re not really negatives, let’s be honest.
Anyway, I’d like to have seen a 12-hole bridge on this model. I know it’s not really expected in this price range but, considering the Kremona Fiesta is a little higher up the scale than other classical guitars under $1000, it would have been a nice touch.
Obviously, there’s a big debate as to whether 12 or 6-hole bridges are better but I prefer the extra tension. Aside from that, I couldn’t find much wrong with this model. Yes, the fingerboard could have been raised but I’d happily take a straight neck in return for solid wood construction.
Popular Questions about the Kremona Fiesta
Does the Kremona Fiesta Come With a Hard Case?
Yes! The Kremona Fiesta comes with a wooden, arched top hardshell case which is ideal for keeping solid wood models safe. It’s lined with plush velour and has neck support as well (I mean, that’s all you can really ask for, right?)
Where Are Kremona Guitars Made?
Kremona Guitars are made in Bulgaria. Every one of their instruments is handmade as well (which makes me so happy). Fun fact – Kremona was founded by a soldier who survived WW1. When he left the front lines, he completed an apprenticeship in instrument crafting then founded Kremona when he finally returned home in 1924. How do I always manage to squeeze a history lesson into my blogs?
Where Are Kremona Guitars Made?
Kremona Guitars are made in Bulgaria. Every one of their instruments is handmade as well (which makes me so happy). Fun fact – Kremona was founded by a soldier who survived WW1. When he left the front lines, he completed an apprenticeship in instrument crafting then founded Kremona when he finally returned home in 1924. How do I always manage to squeeze a history lesson into my blogs?
Does the Kremona Fiesta Have a Bone Nut and Saddle?
Yes! As I said earlier, Kremona always showcases their attention to detail and the Kremona Fiesta is no exception.
The Ultimate Classical Concert Guitar Under A Grand
Whether you’re looking for an upgrade or you just want to treat yourself, I hope I’ve helped decide whether the Kremona Fiesta is the classical guitar for you.
It’s an incredibly versatile instrument! You can choose between a left or right-handed model, and even switch the top out if you want more of a flamenco sound. The Kremona Fiesta is one of my favorite models out of the classical guitars priced below $1000 that I’ve reviewed so far.
I hope you love it too. Let us know if you choose this guitar!
Further Reading:
- 8 Best Classical Guitars Under $1000 In 2024
- Antonio Giuliani CL-5 Classical Guitar Review
- Cordoba C5 Classical Guitar Review
- Godin Etude Classical Guitar Review
- Takamine GC5-NAT Classical Guitar Review
Fiona is a musician and writer. When she’s not working, she’s either playing the ukulele or finding another instrument to add to her collection.